Ipil, ZSP - No rough terrain will stop the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) from reaching out to the island municipalities of Talusan, Olutanga and Mabuhay despite the many cancellations due to the inaccessibility of roads brought about by days of torrential rains. Finally on November 7, 2017, with the help of the good men in uniform of the 44th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, the undertaking was realized.

125 beneficiaries from the 3 municipalities benefitted the assistance amounting to 1,217,892.12 from the DOLE facilitated by its Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office (ZSFO). Kits included materials, tools and jigs for commercial cooking, food processing, vulcanizing and carpentry. The identification of these beneficiaries was through the effort of the active PESO Managers with the support of the local chief executives.

Regioanal Director Ofelia B. Domingo shared that the visit to the island was also an opportunity to bring closer to the locals the other programs and services of DOLE through the DOLE Clinic where workers and employers alike can open up their concerns the agency.

In her message, ZSFO Chief Imelda F. Gatinao stressed the importance of the LGU and DOLE partnership through the PESO. She also mentioned that the PESO is the alter-ego of the Department and they are the front-liners with access to the employment opportunities and livelihood assistance.

To cater to the clamor for work abroad, PESO Talusan coordinated with DOLE and POEA to conduct a mini overseas Jobs Fair. Present during the jobs fair were 3 reputable overseas recruitment agencies with 8,000 job orders in tow. Prior to the start of interviews and screening, applicants were oriented on Anti-Illegal Recruitment that was aptly conducted by Ms. Marietta M. Bellotindos, OIC of POEA-REU9.

Not many people can brave the challenge of going to the island municipalities but through the collective efforts of DOLE, POEA, 44th IB AFP, LGU and PESO, no amount of struggle will stop the realization of providing the assistance the locals need.

Report from Corazon Fatima P. Penaranda-Fallorin